Intern, 3D Designer (MN)

The Bernard Group • Chanhassen, MN

8d

About The Position

The 3D Design Intern is a learning-focused role that introduces emerging designers to 3D retail fixture and spatial experience design. The intern contributes to the creation and execution of 3D models and renders for point-of-sale fixtures, partnering with Principal and Senior Designers to help develop design solutions aligned with customers' brand visions. With close guidance and mentorship, the intern gathers project inputs and visual references, creates preliminary sketches, and builds foundational 3D models. The role collaborates with Design, Product Development, Engineering, and Sales, and supports project organization by tracking timelines and expected deliverables in a fast-paced retail design environment.

This is a paid 2027 summer internship in Chanhassen, Minnesota, beginning either May 24 or June 7. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and compensation is $21.00 per hour. The Bernard Group is a 1,000-person visual merchandising company that is 100% employee-owned.

Requirements

• Be working toward a bachelor's or associate degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Environmental Design, or a related spatial design discipline.
• Have at least one year of experience in Industrial Engineering or a similar discipline.
• Have more than one year of 3D software experience using 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, SolidWorks, SketchUp, Rhino, or Blender on a PC platform.
• Provide a strong portfolio demonstrating spatial visualization, sketching ability, design aesthetics, and 3D and 2D layout.
• Possess strong organizational ability and file-management skills, attention to detail, and an eagerness to keep digital files, project notes, and assets organized.
• Have proficiency or foundational experience with 3D software and proficiency in 2D layout and design programs from Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Show an aptitude for freehand or digital sketching and an eye for gathering relevant visual references, materials, and trends.
• Have a basic understanding of fixture construction, shop drawings, fixture manufacturing, and construction methods for materials such as wood, acrylic, metal, plastics, and paper.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, listen well, present ideas concisely, and actively participate in team discussions.
• Be open to constructive feedback, eager to learn, adaptable, and willing to take on different tasks as needed.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, reliability, trustworthiness, loyalty to customers and the team, and enthusiasm for new challenges.
• Be willing to acknowledge mistakes.

Nice To Haves

• An interest in retail design and willingness to learn its fundamentals, intricacies, materials, and trends.
• Experience with production processes and working with cross-functional professionals.
• Eagerness to learn 3ds Max on the job.

Responsibilities

• Assist with concepting and designing retail fixtures and displays using sketching and 2D/3D modeling software as required.
• Research and recommend retail design trends and materials, including those related to display windows, semi-permanent and permanent displays and fixtures, and visual merchandising.
• Maintain a diligent, self-directed approach to workload and provide accurate, timely communication to coworkers and management.
• Support the Design team with product and trend research, color exploration, presentation boards and materials, and initial product designs.
• Produce and implement illustrations and 3D renderings in client presentations.
• Complete miscellaneous projects as assigned by management.
• Gather project inputs and visual references, create preliminary sketches, and build foundational 3D models under guidance and mentorship.
• Support project organization by understanding timelines and expected deliverables.

Benefits

• Paid internship.
• Employee ownership: The Bernard Group is 100% employee-owned.
• Interactive onboarding program covering the company's technology, processes, and culture.
• Interns are integrated into teams and receive guidance and mentorship.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree